Ukrainian troops Photo: Yevhen Maloletka/AP

Ukrainian defenders continue to hold their positions and hold back Russian troops, who have intensified their assault operations in many areas of the frontline. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a morning briefing on 2 January.

Fiercest fighting in the Pokrovske and Lyman sectors

In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian troops stopped 38 enemy attacks. Fighting took place near Vozdvyzhenka, Pokrovsk, Novovasylivka, Novooleynivka, Lysivka and a number of other localities.

In the Liman sector, Russians made 16 attempts to break through. The enemy tried to advance near Novosergiyivka, Torske, Terny and in Serebryansky forest, but all attacks were repelled.

Other areas

• Kupianske direction: seven attacks near Kolisnykivka, Lozova and Nova Kruhliakivka.
• In theSiverskyi sector: clashes in the area of Serebryanka.
• Kramatorsk sector: 14 battles near Chasovyi Yar, Stupochky and Predtechyno.
• Toretsk sector: seven attacks with air support near Toretsk, Diliyivka and Shcherbynivka.
• Kurakhove sector: 26 attacks were repelled near Ukrainka, Petropavlivka and Kurakhove.
• Vremivske direction: 19 offensives in the areas of Dachne, Novosilka and Kostiantynivske.
• Orikhivsk sector: one attack near Novoandriivka was successfully repelled despite aerial bombardment.
• Prydniprovskyi direction: two unsuccessful assault attempts on Zabych Island.

General situation

Over the last day, 140 combat engagements were recorded. Despite the enemy’s active use of aviation and artillery, Ukrainian defence forces continue to inflict losses on the occupiers and maintain control over key positions.

Ukraine continues its heroic struggle for independence and freedom, deterring numerous attempts by the enemy to succeed on the battlefield.